Smith Community Memorializes OCS Assistant Director John Malone

John Malone (MS ’15), assistant director of graduate coaching for the Office of Career Services (OCS) at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, died on May 20, 2024. He was 57.

A family-hosted Celebration of Life, from 1-4 p.m. Friday, July 19, 2024, at McGinty's Pub, 911 Ellsworth Drive, Silver Spring, Maryland, will pay tribute to Malone, who joined the OCS as an MBA and Specialty Masters Career Consultant shortly after completing his Smith degree in information systems.

“As a colleague and friend, John brought his enthusiasm, kindness and positive spirit to every interaction,” said Smith School Dean Prabhudev Konana in an email to faculty and staff. “He cared deeply about the success of our students and worked passionately to help them develop their strengths, pursue their careers and create the lives they wanted.”

Malone as a student arrived at Smith with robust industry experience. A lengthy career in sales and marketing, was largely in digital technology spaces. He owned an IT consulting and managed services firm specializing in business development process and systems strategy. “John intended to continue his industry career after completing his degree,” said Konana in the email. “But he stayed at the Smith School because he saw how difficult it was for international students to navigate the job market and find employment, and he knew that with his industry connections he could make a real difference.”

Nima Farshchi, executive director of Smith’s Office of Experiential Learning and director of the school’s Center for Social Value Creation, described Malone on a memorial website as a “true student champion.”

“John had limitless genuine care and love for every single student he worked with,” Farshchi said. “He authentically wanted the best for each and every one and had an inspiring energy to work with.”

Malone was instrumental in Smith achieving a top-10 ranking for information systems in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Graduate Schools rankings. Smith’s MSIS program is No. 9 overall and No. 6 among public universities thanks in part to high employment outcomes for graduates of the program.

“John's efforts to help our students, MSIS in particular, was heroic,” said an anonymous contributor to the online memorial. “He never stopped thinking about ways to improve the international student experience to help them with their ultimate goal of finding an internship or job, from one-on-one coaching, to speaking to classes full of students. He was the go-to advisor for students interested in technical careers.”

Another contributor to the site wrote, “John was more than just a career coach; he was a genuine mentor. When doubts crept in, he continued to trust in me.”

In addition to the Smith virtual memorial site, the Francis J. Collins Funeral Home has published an official obituary, where Malone's family requests: "In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of John's favorite charities." These are Misericordia, a continuum of care provider with home and work opportunities for residents with developmental disabilities; the Angel Fund supporting children with special needs; and Lions Camp Merrick serving blind, deaf and diabetes communities.